[JoeWolf1]

I know New Jersey has a lot of buzz for this summers free agent market involving Lebron James. From part owner and friend of James’ Jay-Z to their other Russian owner who is working toward moving them to Brooklyn, but after a 0-17 start do you think Lebron will really consider going to one of the worst teams in the league? He has continually pressed Cleveland front office people to surround him with talent and turn Cleveland into a contender, and now that they are do you think he will want to pack up, go to a bottom of the barrel team and do it all over? I know New Jersey looks pretty good on paper, and have one of the best young centers in the NBA, and Lebron would undoubtledly contibute to a big turnaround if he signed there, but that team still couldn’t beat the Lakers or a lot of top teir NBA teams, do you guys think he’d pick NJ over a free agent player he would have a better chance winning a title with?

just some food for thought.

[stifo567Participant]

the probability of lebron going to nj is almost zero. i dont see him going to new york either, i think there is a strong chance that he stays in cleveland, right where he is. miami is making a strong case for lebron with their strong play, but some of these free agent contenders like new york, new jersey, and minnesota, the 3 worst teams in the league, dont stand much of a chance. why start from square one and go to a perennial loser? hes going to get multi millions any where he goes, so why not win?

[bkballerParticipant]

you clearly live in some small hick town and dont understand the significance of playing in media capital of the world. New York has something to offer that no other place in the world does, immortality. if lebron turns new york around he instantly becomes a legend. tes he is very popular now, but just ask derek jeter what winning in NY does to you. Plus the knicks supporting cast is pretty good and they will have enough money for a max free agent in 2011 again, something cleveland can never offer him because the city blows.

[bkballerParticipant]

Everytime lebron is at the garden he seems like a kid in a candy shop. surrounded by celebrities and you can tell the man belongs. why wouldnt he want that for 50+ games a year?

[MagikKnickParticipant]

The Nets are easily in the best situation of any other team by far

If the NBA DOESN’T lower the cap, then the Nets can sign 2 max free agents

Plus they have 2 first round draft picks..

At MAXIMUM potential…the Nets could have a roster like this:

PG: Devin Harris, John Wall
SG: Courtney Lee, Terrence Williams
SF: Lebron James, Chris Douglas-Roberts
PF: Chris Bosh, Yi Jianlian
C: Brook Lopez, Josh Boone

I dont know, but a starting lineup of Harris, Lee, James, Bosh, and Lopez sounds super dominant to me….

[JoeWolf1]

IF they get Bosh too, without him I don’t think so, MagicKnick, call me old school, but when was the last time a lineup that young won it all or did major damage in the playoffs? one paper it looks awesome and maybe in 3 years great, but with a first year head coach I bet they’d win 55 games and get ousted when they were matched up against Orlando or Atlanta. Just ask Kobe, and MJ, you need a veteran team to win it all, but you are right, that might be enough to lure Lebron to NJ. That prediction was without Bosh, too, I just doubt the team off to the worst start in NBA history can land two of the top 5 free agents next year. Maybe Lebron, but I think Chicago and Miami are going to push hard for Bosh.

[QHaynes20]

Sorry. As a Knick fan I know.

Lebron is not coming to the NY-NJ Tri-state area

[MagikKnickParticipant]

I personally think they wont get Lebron OR Bosh, but I was just saying what they’re capable of in the ultimate situation

But I think the Cavs are a “borderline finals” team, with Lebrons current supporting cast

Devin Harris > Mo Williams
Lee, Williams > West, Parker
CDR > Moon
Jianlian > Varejao
Lopez > Shaq

this supporting cast is way better than Clevelands current players, and I think whatever Lebron does, he’d want to be most aware of the situation hes entering….and the Nets are in a way better situation than the Cavs….

[QHaynes20]

Yea, but Shaq and Big Z’s deals are off the books, that’s another potential big FA.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

When will people realize that LeBron will never win a title in Cleveland?  I’ve been screaming it forever it seems like.  Sure they can sign a good free agent but they lose Big Z & Shaq in the process.  Their supporting cast is weak.  Mo Williams, Moon, Parker, Hickson, Varejao….LOL I mean cmon.  LeBron has a MUCH better chance at winning multiple titles going to NJ or NY.  

[canesboy6Participant]

Of any team other than staying right at home, I think Miami makes the most sense. Him and Wade in Miami would become a huuge show here. He would play with WADE. They have a young developing stud in Beasley, and a solid core of role players, Chalmers, Dequan Cook, Udonis Haslem. They would even have some money to bring in some competent role players inside. They could start a real dynasty, under Pat Riley. Miami is not a tough place to draw free agents to either, its a top 10 nba gig easily. I just dont see how either NJ or NY makes any sense. Both teams are bad, and thier only real claim is circumstantial. Why would Lebron wanna go somewhere that would be good IF they happen to land another top tier free agent with no shortage of better options?

[QHaynes20]

I agree. Lebron can win multiple title in NY. But, I don’t think he will make the leap.

Would I love LBJ in a NY jersey? Would I pay money for it to happen? Sure. But I dunno

[QHaynes20]

It’s Ironic…I used to be the guy who pushed NY to Lebron.

now i dunno. Tezo, can u do the Knicks cap situation

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

The Cavs are currently $24,782,841 over the cap. The cap is $57,700,000 this season. Assuming the cap stays the same next season, which it won’t (it’ll probably be even lower)… Cleveland won’t have the money to afford a big free agent. Even with Shaq ($21,000,000) and Z ($11,541,074) coming off the books, the Cavs will still only be $4,935,679 under the cap.

I just don’t see LeBron winning a title with Cleveland. His supporting cast is weak and they simply don’t have enough money to bring in a big free-agent to help him. They’ll be able to bring in some decent help, but nobody to push them over the top.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Alright, give me a sec.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

tezo- do the Nets cap space situation too haha

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

2009-2010 NBA Salary Cap = $57,700,000

2009-2010 New York Knicks Salary = $83,012,554

Currently $25,312,554 OVER the cap

Players currently under contract 2009-2010

Larry Hughes – 13,655,268
Eddy Curry – 10,500,423
Al Harrington – 10,026,875
(Cuttino Mobley) – 9,500,000
Darko Milicic – 7,540,000
David Lee – 7,000,000
Jared Jeffries – 6,466,600
Chris Duhon – 6,031,800
Nate Robinson – 4,000,000
Danilo Gallinari – 3,089,040
Jordan Hill – 2,483,280
Wilson Chandler – 1,255,440
Toney Douglas – 996,240
Marcus Landry – 457,588
(Sun Yu) – 10,000

Total = $83,012,554

Players under contract 2010-2011

Eddy Curry – 11,276,863
Jared Jeffries – 6,883,800
Danilo Gallinari – 3,304,560
Jordan Hill – 2,669,520
Wilson Chandler – 2,130,482
Toney Douglas – 1,071,000

Total = $27,336,225

*Keep in mind that this is if they negelect to re-sign more than half of their roster, including David Lee and Nate Robinson.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Aight give me a sec to do the Nets lol

[bkballerParticipant]

HE IS NOT GOING TO NEW JERSEY…PLEASE STOP

[QHaynes20]

…now i hope the Knicks get Lebron.

[McWinningParticipant]

wow that Knicks roster without Nate and Lee is horrible.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

I hope LeBron goes to NY or NJ.  It would bring some excitement.  Seeing him in Cleveland is getting boring.  I mean I know what is going to happen every year…Cavs have a great regular season but get dropped in the playoffs. 

[gatorheelsParticipant]

The CAVS roster without LeBron is Pathetic.

[McWinningParticipant]

who would you rather have as your center Shaq or Eddy Crry? yes cavs have a bad team but the knicks are way worse.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

bkballer- read above….that is why he might go to the Nets

[bkballerParticipant]

good thing new jersey is almost as shitty an area as cleveland

[bkballerParticipant]

hes not going to play in the “swamp” for two years

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

2009-2010 NBA Salary Cap = $57,700,000

2009-2010 New Jersey Nets Salary = $57,673,335

Currently $26,665 UNDER the cap

Players currently under contract 2009-2010

Bobby Simmons – 11,242,667
Devin Harris – 8,400,000
Tony Battie – 6,606,600
Rafer Alston – 5,250,000
Trenton Hassell – 4,350,000
Keyon Dooling – 3,564,000
Yi Jianlian – 3,194,400
Eduardo Najera – 3,000,000
Brook Lopez – 2,255,880
Jarvis Hayes – 2,062,800
Terrence Williams – 2,060,040
Josh Boone – 2,056,968
Sean Williams – 1,629,120
Courtney Lee – 1,264,440
Chris Douglas-Roberts – 736,420

Total = $57,673,335

Players under contract 2010-2011

Devin Harris – 8,981,000
Keyon Dooling – 3,828,000
Yi Jianlian – 4,050,499
Eduardo Najera – 3,000,000
Brook Lopez – 2,413,320
Terrence Williams – 2,214,480
Josh Boone – 2,992,888
Courtney Lee – 1,352,640
Chris Douglas-Roberts – 854,389

Total = $26,694,328

*As you can see, the Nets are in a MUCH better position than the Knicks salary cap wise for 2010-2011. They have nine players (Nice young talent and decent veterans) under contract for only $26,694,328 compared to the Knicks having only six players (Curry and Jeffries being terrible) under contract for $27,336,225.

If the salary cap were to stay at $57,700,000, the Nets would be $31,005,672 under the cap for 2010-2011. That’s not including their draft pick who they’ll be able to sign regardless. They’d be able to afford TWO max free-agents or a max free agent and all-star caliber player with the majority of their roster still intact.

[MagikKnickParticipant]

LOL

Thats unfair…if your gonna do the “who would you rather have” thing, you gotta do it right

You cant compare the Cavs 2nd best player, to the Knicks worst player…

Thats like me doing…Whos Better? Al Harrington or Coby Karl

[bkballerParticipant]

plus last i checked the nets cant get a single win with this stellar young cast that is completely overrated…
terrance williams is one of the worst rookies picked in the first round, he plays a lot of is unbelievably inefficient.
Clee has shown that he was a product of the magic system, and ryan anderson confirmed it.
Yi – awful, huge bust
CDR- awkward scorer, not going to be affective without the ball in his hands and when he is not allowed to chuck. put him on a talented team and he is useless
harris – injury prone score first guard, never gonna lead a team to wins.

id personally rather have danilo,toney,hill, chandler, lee than harris, cdr, twill, yi, lopez

PLUS NY>>>>>NJ
if he wants to play in a swamp he will stay in cleveland. Why would he want to come to the little brother team of the tri state

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Unless the Knicks can unload Eddy Curry’s contract, the Knicks have no shot at LeBron. There is no way in the world that LeBron James would go to New York and start over. Why would anybody think LeBron would go to a team that’s in the basement? The Cavs were in the basement when he got there. You think he wants to go through that all over again?

[bkballerParticipant]

curry comes off in 2011 if he is not traded with jared jeffries…leading to 18 million of cap space

lebron, lee, wilson, gallo, toney, hill, harrington gets the team a top 4 seed in 2010

sign another max star in 2011 and suddenly become best team in the league…when you put together a market like new york and a player like lebron stars are going to be lining up to take pay cuts to sign.

[QHaynes20]

people have to also remember…Curry is a FA in 2011.

edit: Sry BkBaller. Yea, I mean he can add another player midseason. U can add say Lebron and maybe another big man ( Kristic?), you will most likely buy a 1st rounder ( I would love that pick to be either Kalin Lucas, Sherron Collins or TyShawn Taylor) and a 2nd rounder ( would love that to be Manny Harris or DeSean Butler)

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I can feel your optimism, but I just don’t see it happening. The Knicks need to move Curry before the trade deadline for an expiring contract. If they don’t, LeBron isn’t coming. If the Knicks can move Curry AND Jeffries for expirings, then I think they have a real chance. That’s the only way they’ll be able to pair LeBron up with another max deal/all-star type player.

If LeBron doesn’t re-sign with Cleveland, it looks like Miami will be his best option. They’ll have enough to offer him a max deal. Wade is their own player, so they’ll be able to re-sign him regardless. O’Neal and Haslem will have to be re-signed, but I’m sure they’ll re-sign for as cheap as possible.

[quincey hodges]

i was just reading something on hoopsworld then espn then a couple of other sites. the market ability of cities arent as big as some fans think. each site asked nba players and although they called ny the mecca of basketball it was pretty understood that it was more of a last resort because the organization is a mess and they dont have the players in place to contend. players also said that you can get market money anywhere so you dont have to go to a l.a or a ny to get it. the reason why hoopsworld.com writers say nj is more attractive is because they have better players in place as far as the future as well as draft picks. more players realize this but alot of fans dont

[quincey hodges]

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/11/23/free-agent-salvation-for-knicks-nets-wont-happen/

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

LeBron doesn’t need to go where the market is because HE IS THE MARKET lol… It’ll follow him. The man landed a $90 million endorsement deal fresh out of high school. LeBron will command marketing dollars and sellout arenas wherever he goes. I think it’s clear he wants to play for a winning team that’s poised to compete for a championship.

[bkballerParticipant]

he might be the market… but lebron got the type of personality that wants those bright lights, he wants to be next to celebrity row and on a bill board on times square. yes he can get money anywhere, but i think knicks have a real shot for him because of his ego. his personality is too big for a city like cleveland.

[QHaynes20]

the way he’s been acting the past couple months…he seems wanting to be a diva a bit.

[fastdanParticipant]

He’ll never go to Miami to play with Wade, there’s no way he’ll share the ball/spotlight with him.

As terrible as the Knicks are, and as much as I get annoyed by the NY fanboys on this site, I think they have a legit shot at landing him because he’s such a drama queen and attention whore.

Let’s face it, if winning was Lebron’s real #1 priority, like he always says it is, he’d take the league minimum and sign with Orlando or Portland…he’s making 20+ mil a year in endorsements, so it’s not like it would really effect him.

[Author]

Posts